Roasting marshmallows in your fire pit, enjoying a glass of wine on your patio, or simply relaxing with friends & family in your garden are all ways that you can enjoy your yard. Nowadays, the back yard has become an extension of the home and the popularity of using concrete pavers in landscapes continues to be on the rise. From patios, to walkways and even fire pits, it’s no wonder concrete pavers have become one of the top choices for all external paving needs. Today’s pavers offer the homeowner numerous benefits. Here are some of the reasons concrete pavers are so popular today:

MISCANTHUS ADAGIOLooking to add a little sass to your garden? Then 'Miscanthus Adagio' is for you! This perennial ornamental grass will bring that structure, style & texture you've been searching for.

We asked one of our talented Landscape Designers, Mary Ann Newton, about what is often overlooked when designing landscapes. Her answer? Texture. The texture that plant's offer is often overlooked in the landscape, but it is an integral part of any good design. Here's what she had to say:

Two words every homeowner loves to hear: 'low' and 'maintenance'. We would be lying if we told you there was such thing as a maintenance-free landscape. However, with a little research and planning you can create a gorgeous landscape that is functional, meets all your needs, and requires minimal time and yes, LOW maintenance. So, if you’re goal is to spend more time relaxing and less time working in the garden, follow these four tips on how to keep your landscape low maintenance:

ROUTE 66 COREOPSIS

Trash cans, air conditioners, chain-link fences, sometimes even your neighbor’s house -- these are just a few of the things that can interfere with the beauty of your landscape. But these eyesores don't have to be the focal point. Check out these ideas on how you can use plants and garden structures to magically make these blemishes disappear:

Add a fiesta of color to your garden with Echinacea, commonly known as Coneflower. This summer, we're so excited about the new Sombrero Series of Coneflowers offering the trendiest, sizzling hot colors of 2012. Available in two varieties ~ Salsa Red and Hot Coral~ these beauties will set your garden ablaze with the deep, intense colors of a sunset on a hot summer day!

Known for its beauty, long blooming period and hardiness, the “Tree of 100 days” is being celebrated at McDonald Garden Center’s 30th annual Crepe Myrtle Festival. In its more than a quarter-century salute to a tree that beautifies landscapes across Hampton Roads, the 2012 Crepe Myrtle Fest will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, July 21-23, at McDonald Garden Centers in Hampton, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake.

ORCHID CASCADE CREPE MYRTLEWe are crazy for Crepe Myrtles this time of year, especially our littlest crepe... the Orchid Cascade! Sometimes referred to as the mini Crepe Myrtle, the blooms on this unique crepe spill to the ground in a waterfall of color, and the size make is perfect for almost anywhere. Classified as a compact grower, the Cascade Orchid variety is more of a flowering shrub only growing 12 to 16 inches tall and spreading 3 to 4 feet wide.

NATCHEZ CREPE MYRTLEOne hundred days of exquisite summer blooms, attractive fall foliage, unique bark, good disease and insect resistance and drought-tolerance ~ what's not to like about Crepe Myrtles!